Kenya’s Advantage Air Plans Expansion with DHC-8-Q400s in Quick Change Configuration

Kenyan cargo specialist Advantage Air, based in Nairobi Wilson, is gearing up for expansion with the addition of an undisclosed number of DHC-8-Q400s. The airline has procured Quick Change conversion kits from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for these turboprops, signaling a strategic move to enhance its fleet capabilities.

Advantage Air, currently operating two Fokker 50(F)s, has not provided specific details regarding its plans for the Q400s. Despite not yet obtaining authorization to include this aircraft type in its Air Services License, the airline recently secured a geographic extension. This extension allows Advantage Air to conduct non-scheduled passenger operations to/from points in Eastern, Central, and Northern Africa, Indian Ocean islands, and the Middle East, in addition to domestic non-scheduled passenger flights.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module indicates that another Kenyan carrier, Bluebird Aviation (Kenya), already operates three converted DHC-8-Q400(PF)s. As Advantage Air embarks on this fleet expansion, it is poised to strengthen its cargo operations and potentially explore new routes within its extended geographic reach.

While Advantage Air has not provided further comments on its Q400 plans, the move aligns with the broader trend of cargo-focused airlines embracing versatile and fuel-efficient aircraft for operational efficiency. Stay tuned for updates on Advantage Air’s fleet expansion and the strategic implications for the Kenyan cargo market.